This prophecy describes the utter destruction of Edom. At first glance, it seems to be a general prophecy concerning the Day of God that will come upon all nations: "The Lord is filled with fury for all nations" (Yeshayahu 34:2). However, as the prophecy progresses, we discover that God’s sword is specifically directed against Edom. It seems that Edom represents more than just a neighboring nation; the prophecy of its destruction symbolizes the ultimate downfall of evil and all enemies of God.

The struggle with Edom is mentioned in many places throughout the Tanakh. In Yeshayahu Chapter 63, God wages war against Edom; in Yirmeyahu Chapter 49, Edom’s land is described as becoming desolate in a way reminiscent of this chapter. Similarly, in Yechezkel Chapter 25, God promises to cut off both man and beast from Edom, and the entire prophecy of Ovadya is directed against them.

The Tanakh provides several explanations for the deep animosity toward the Edomites and how they came to symbolize wickedness. In Yechezkel, Edom’s joy at the exile of the Israelites is highlighted: "Just as you rejoiced when the heritage of the House of Israel was made desolate, so will I do to you: you will be desolate, Mount Se'ir and the whole all of Edom. They will know: I am the Lord" (Yechezkel 35:15). In Tehillim, the psalmist recalls their role during the destruction of the Temple: "Remember, Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. They said: ‘tear it down, tear it down to its very foundation!’" (Tehillim 137:7). Both these verses, along with the prophecy of Ovadya, were written after the destruction of the Temple and describe Edom’s complicity in that catastrophe. However, the conflict with Edom predates the destruction. Already in Amos (1:11), the prophet describes a struggle between the Kingdom of Yehuda and Edom. This conflict exploded during the time of the destruction when Yehuda was weak and vulnerable. Instead of behaving like brothers to the people of Yehuda, the Edomites rejoiced in their downfall and betrayed the fleeing refugees. In response to these actions, God will take vengeance and advocate on behalf of Zion.